Acne
What is acne?
Acne vulgaris is a multifactorial inflammatory disease with blockage and/or inflammation of the pilosebaceous gland of the skin.
Acne
Types of lesions
Clogged Pores Produce Nasty Cysts (Comodones, Papules, Pustules, Nodules, Cysts)
Acne
Patho of acne
excessive sebum production triggered by internal and external factors, follicular hyperkeratinization, proliferation of the anaerobic microorganism (Cutibacterium acnes). Leads to inflammatory mechanisms.
Other causes: hormones, diet, stress, and genetics all contribute.
Acne
Different between whiteheads and blackheads?
Whiteheads are blockages that are deeper (closed comedone), blackheads are closer to the surface and therefore get oxidized (open comodone).
Acne
Clinical presentation of acne
Comedonal acne - open or closed comedones
inflammatory acne - papules, pustules, nodules, or cysts
Classification based on number, type and distribution of lesions.
Acne
Severity classication of acne
Mild: comodones, few papules and pustules. NO nodules, cysts, or scarring.
Moderate: several papules and pustules. Few nodules. NO cysts, mild scarring.
Severe: numerous papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts. Moderate to severe scarring.
Acne
Risk factors for acne
Acne
Diagnosis of acne
based on clinical presentation. C+S of pustules ONLY if concern for gram-negative folliculitis.
* hormonal investigations if signs of hyperandrogenism (hirsutism, infertility, irregular periods, insulin resistance, onset in middle aged women)
* medication induced if on ASMs, TB drugs, lithium, cobalt in vit B12, corticosteroids.
Acne
When to refer for acne
Acne
Non-pharm for acne
Acne
Mild acne treatment algorithm
BPO or topical retinoids
OR both
OR BPO/clindamycin
OR BPO/adapalene
If no improvement after 2-3 months - combined oral contraceptive (for female)
Acne
Moderate acne treatment algorithm
BPO
or topical retinoids
or combo of both
or BPO/clindamycin
or BPO/adapalene
plus
COC or systemic abx (tetracyclines)
if no improvement in 2-3 months - refer to dermatologist.
COC = combined oral contraceptives
Acne
Severe acne treatment algorithm
Oral isotrentinoin
if no improvement after 2-3m - refer to dermatologist
if pt unwilling, unable, or intolerant - systemic abx w/ topical BPO +/- topical retinoid OR COC (if no improvement in 2-3m - refer).
Acne
Types of topical vehicles based on skin type
Acne
Which ingredients are exfoliants
Glycilic acid, salicylic acid, sulfur (OTC)
Acne
What ingredients are antimicrobials w/ anti-inflammatory properties?
Benzyl peroxide, dapasone
Acne
Which ingredients are antimicrobials with keratolytic properties?
Azelaic acid
Acne
Which ingredients are retinoids?
adapalene, tazarotene, tretinoin, trifarotene
Acne
which ingredients are abx?
clindamycin, erythromycin
Acne
Oral agents for acne?
Acne
OTC/non-Rx acne options?
Acne
BPO information
Apply once daily, gradually increase to 2-3 times/day prn. may take up to 3m to see improvement (initial worsening in first 2-4 weeks).
Can prevent/eliminate C. acnes.
2.5% similary efficacy to 5% and 10%.
Gel formulation improves absorption.
Degrades topical retinoids - must seperate (BPO in AM, retinoid in PM)
Can bleach clothing and hair.
AEs: bleaching, skin irritation, peeling.
Acne
Salicylic acid information
1-2% strength, higher concentrations are more irritating. Not as effective as topical retinoids.
Acne
Glycolic acid information
2-15% strength
used when topical retinoids are not tolerated.